BJJ 247 & WRESTLING TRAILBLAZER Lawrence Dutton
Lawrence Dutton: BJJ 24/7 Founder, Coach, and Wrestling Trailblazer talks to Mick Tully of Coventry Martial Arts Centre, UK.
What's happening in the world of BJJ & BJJ Competitions?
What is Wrestling trying to do now?
What's next?
Find Lawrence Dutton here; bjj247.com
Lawrence Dutton is one of the most influential figures in the
development of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and submission grappling competition
in the United Kingdom. As the founder and driving force behind BJJ 24/7,
Dutton has helped shape the competitive landscape of British grappling,
providing opportunities for thousands of athletes to test their skills,
develop their confidence, and participate in professionally organized
events. Through his work as a competitor, coach, promoter, and
entrepreneur, he has earned a reputation as both a respected martial
artist and a true wrestling impresario whose vision has helped grow the
sport across the UK.
Dutton's Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu journey began in 2008. Over the years, he
developed into a highly accomplished competitor, building an impressive
record in both gi and no-gi competition. His achievements include medals
at the English Open, multiple podium finishes at the IBJJF London Open,
and medal-winning performances at the prestigious IBJJF European
Championships as a brown belt competitor. His dedication to technical
excellence and consistent competition earned him recognition within the
British BJJ community and ultimately led to his promotion to 1st Degree
Black Belt under Paul Hartley in the lineage of Lucio "Lagarto"
Rodrigues.
While his competitive accomplishments are significant, Dutton's greatest
impact has arguably come through his work as a promoter and organizer.
In 2015, he took ownership of the grappling promotion Grab and Pull and
transformed it into BJJ 24/7, a brand that would become one of the UK's
leading Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu tournament organizations. Under his
leadership, the company adopted the now well-known slogan "Train,
Compete and Repeat," a phrase that captured the spirit of continuous
improvement central to martial arts training.
BJJ 24/7 quickly established itself as a major force in British
grappling. Events were held throughout major cities including
Manchester, Liverpool, Birmingham, Brighton, London, Glasgow, Edinburgh,
Belfast, and Newcastle. During its peak growth period, the organization
regularly attracted hundreds of competitors to each event and hosted
numerous tournaments annually. Dutton distinguished his events through
innovative branding, distinctive medals, efficient tournament
management, and the early adoption of modern registration and
competition-management technology. His focus on athlete experience
helped establish BJJ 24/7 as a trusted name among competitors and
coaches alike.
Dutton's influence extends beyond event promotion. He has consistently
supported grassroots development within the martial arts community,
helping young athletes gain competitive experience and providing
pathways for practitioners of all levels to engage with the sport.
Partnerships with youth development programs and support for emerging
talent have further strengthened his reputation as a leader committed to
the long-term growth of grappling in the United Kingdom.
Today, Lawrence Dutton stands as one of the key architects of modern
British grappling competition. Whether organizing tournaments, coaching
athletes, developing innovative event experiences, or advocating for the
growth of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, he has demonstrated a lifelong
commitment to the martial arts. His work has helped build a stronger
competitive culture throughout the UK, ensuring that future generations
of grapplers will continue to benefit from the opportunities he helped
create. Through BJJ 24/7 and his wider contributions to the sport,
Lawrence Dutton has secured his place as one of the leading figures in
British Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and a genuine impresario of modern
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